The red glare and booms of rockets will return to the skies over Athens on Thursday as part of the city’s annual fireworks show, presented by the Athens-Limestone Tourism Association, the city of Athens and Limestone County.

The show will begin at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. Fireworks will be detonated from the Athens High School stadium on U.S. 31.

Spectators should bring chairs or blankets to watch the show from adjacent properties such as the stadium parking lot, Swan Creek Park, Athens Middle School and Central Church of Christ.

There is no stadium seating. Revelers are asked to respect private property and do not trespass. For those who cannot attend the show, the city of Athens, Alabama (Public Relations) Facebook page plans to live stream the show.

Athens Police will provide traffic control for U.S. 31. Once the show ends, officers will limit access to U.S. 31. Those to the east of the highway will exit to the north. Those to the west of the highway will exit to the south.

Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson reminded motorists that Forrest Street is closed at the bridges just east of U.S. 31 for a bridge replacement project.

“Athens Police will work as many intersections as we have staff available,” Johnson said. “I ask motorists to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be courteous. We will move traffic as quickly as we safely can.”

Pre-event fireworks

Central Church of Christ on U.S. 31 invites the community to a Fourth of July celebration prior to the fireworks show. There will be a cookout, live entertainment, games for children and a cornhole tournament. The event starts at 7 p.m.